Comments on: 5 Tips for Returning to Riding as an Adult

By: Jen

Jen — Sat, 01 Oct 2016 06:49:25 +0000

As a retired teacher, mid-50s, I took up riding 6 weeks ago after almost 40 years out of the saddle. I’m still in pretty good shape but I expected to be treated like a newbie and, despite one or two misgivings, I am feeling quite confident that I can pick it up again. I own that I am not up to date on riding techniques and a number of things have changed about how one maintains a strong seat from when I learned, it’s true. However, what I didn’t count on is the kind of insecurity of the adult coaches (and I’ve tried two so far) about an adult being around horses. They are reluctant to let you lead the horse, tack up the horse, turn the horse out in the field, even groom. These are all things I remember well and could hardly screw up even if I were wrong with a little supervision first time around.. Their caution is understandable when it’s not my horse but it doesn’t help with self-confidence to be constantly corrected, patronized with long lectures, and never — I mean NEVER– encouraged, both on the ground as well as on the horse! As a teacher, and an art teacher at that, not all my kids were skillful artists but I always tried to find something to encourage them. It wasn’t that hard. These days, I am feeling my age with this activity only because I am constantly on guard to remain humble and ignorant and never overstep. The fact that I seem to do nothing right, after sitting waiting for my lesson and listening to younger riders get at least a little positive feedback, is very discouraging! Adults are a different breed from kids.They come with a lifetime of experience and professionalism. It’s unfortunate that some instructors can’t respect this and offer a little encouragement once in a while! Just sayin’!

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 07:32:37 +0000

I had mini horses/donkey’s for a few years. Large horses as a child but I never learned to ride. I mentioned to my husband that one day I wanted to learn to ride a big horse and own one. He took it upon himself to get me a horse riding lesson. I kept saying one day. He told the instructor I was old as dirt, because I kept saying that to him about learning to ride. I’m 50! Needless to say the instructor said she was old as dirt too! She was 50 and very informative. This has been a fun conversation for us. I found out as soon as I put my feet in the stir ups that the love I had for horses was also a love I had in riding them. I now own a “big” horse too! My instructor helped my husband find me a big horse one that fit my level for my Christmas present and even arranged for me to ride her before I was presented with her as a gift. Needless to say you are never too old to finally do something that you long to do! I do not regret it one bit!

By: Diane

Diane — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 16:36:03 +0000

I’ve attended Kenny Harlow’s Learning for Older Ladies riding”LOL” Learning for Older Ladies:
http://www.kennyharlow.com/lolladies
Open to Woman 45 years and Older
Price: $850.00
Deposit Required:$250.00
April 28th-May 1st
September 15th-18th clinic at his Cedar Run Ranch in Cumberland, VA – it gets you back in the game 🙂

By: Barb

Barb — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 07:02:55 +0000

I haven’t ridden for the last ten years after I sold my horses and the farm. (Kept my favorite saddle and bridle.) I look enviously at the riding stables every time I pass them by. Your article encourages me to get back in the saddle. Even though the place I live has a stable, I can’t afford to own a horse, but I could afford an hour ride once a month when I receive my Social Security check. Thank you for your encouragement!

By: caren

caren — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 00:18:03 +0000

Hi fellow Horse lovers……I was a serious child rider, was so compassionate…..then when I got married, my husband stopped me from riding, when he realized his wife was a fearless rider……so life took me away from my passion for many years. 20 years later, we finally got divorced, and my youngest daughter inherited my passion. She volunteered summer holidays at a ranches, groomed, worked, and scooped poop, etc for horse owners.
But the passion stayed with us both. Finally I plucked the courage to get back on a horse, and yeah, it is like riding a bicycle, you do not lose it. Little bouncy at first, confidence back by the 3rd time in a saddle, and yes you don’t lose it. Only note of warning, if you fall when you older, couldn’t be a good thing, so make sure you ride well schooled horses. I knew an old man, from generations of horse people that rode until he was 90+ Only us understand that passion and you never lose it…..the connection with these animals are just another level of heaven!

By: Peggy

Peggy — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 13:32:34 +0000

Julia, Thanks for the input. I love to read these type of articles and see how “adult” is being defined. I have been riding off and on for over 30 years. It’s all about time and money. At the ripe of age of 65 I find myself shopping for riding lessons after being out of the saddle for about 4-5 years. Your tips were helpful!! Wish me Luck!!

By: Audrey

Audrey — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 20:09:38 +0000

Great advice Did almost the same as you suggested now have six horses and 3 granddaughters , coworkers and friends to ride with

By: amy

amy — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 14:24:11 +0000

great info. i hope to ride all my life!

By: PKL

PKL — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 05:31:10 +0000

Thank You for another helpful article, which is well written.

By: Starr

Starr — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 08:27:03 +0000

This is such a good article. The author leads you carefully on the steps toward “getting back in the saddle” instead of just saying “Do It,” she makes it an approachable and non-threatening goal. I also like how involved in several aspects of horseback riding – personal enjoyment and helping others. I just may have to follow her lead!